How to Clean and Store Your Hawink Tattoo Machine for Maximum Longevity

Learn how to properly clean and store your Hawink tattoo machine to extend its lifespan, prevent contamination, and keep every tattoo session consistent.

Updated 7 Sep 2026 4 min read 7 sections

Hawink tattoo machine for professional tattooing — Tattoo machine$288.99Image from the merchant

Cleaning and storing your Hawink tattoo machine the right way is the single most important habit for extending its lifespan, preventing cross contamination, and keeping every tattoo session consistent. A well maintained tattoo machine not only runs quieter and hits harder, but it also protects your clients and saves you from costly repairs down the road. Here is our complete guide to keeping your Hawink gear in top shape.

Why Cleaning Your Tattoo Machine Matters Every Time

A tattoo machine comes into direct contact with blood, ink, and skin during every session. If residue dries on the grip, the needle bar, or the internal contact points, it can cause the machine to stick, misfire, or rust. Beyond performance, proper cleaning is a non negotiable health and safety standard. A clean machine means fewer variables in your line work, shading, and packing, and it gives your clients the confidence that you take hygiene seriously.

Step by Step Guide to Cleaning Your Tattoo Machine

We recommend following this routine immediately after every tattoo session. Do not let ink or fluid dry on the machine.

Hawink tattoo machine needle for tattooing — Tattoo machine needle$4.95Image from the merchant

Remove the tattoo machine needle and tattoo needle cartridges and dispose of them properly. Never reuse a needle or cartridge.
Wipe the exterior of the machine with a lint free cloth dampened with warm water and a mild disinfectant to remove surface ink and blood.
For tattoo gun coils and contact points, use a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to gently scrub between the coils and around the spring assembly.
Pay special attention to the grip area where tattoo pens meet the hand. This area traps oils and moisture.
Rinse with distilled water and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Apply a light machine oil to any moving parts, especially the springs and contact screw, to prevent rust and keep the action smooth.
Run the machine briefly at low speed to work the oil into the mechanism, then wipe off any excess.

This cleaning routine takes less than five minutes and should be done every single session, no exceptions.

How to Store Your Tattoo Machine Between Sessions

How you store your tattoo machine between uses is just as important as how you clean it. Improper storage leads to dust buildup, corrosion, and accidental damage.

Hawink tattoo gun kit for beginners — Tattoo gun kit$70.99Image from the merchant

Keep your machine in a dedicated case or padded drawer. Never toss it loose into a tool bag.
Store in a dry, room temperature environment. Humidity is the enemy of coils and springs.
Loosen the contact screw slightly before long term storage to relieve tension on the spring.
Keep your tattoo gun kit organized so that each machine, power supply, and foot pedal has its own spot.
Label your machines if you own multiple, so you always grab the right one for lining versus shading.

For artists who travel frequently, a hard shell case with foam inserts is the best investment you can make. It protects your gear from drops and keeps everything in one place.

Caring for Your Tattoo Machine Needle and Cartridges

Hawink tattoo cartridges for tattooing — Tattoo cartridges$23.95Image from the merchant

Your tattoo cartridges and needles are single use items, but how you handle them before a session still matters. Always inspect the membrane on a cartridge before loading it. A torn membrane compromises the backflow prevention and puts your client at risk. Store your round liner tattoo needles and other needle types in their original sterile packaging in a cool, dry drawer away from direct sunlight. Never open a cartridge package until you are ready to use it. Once opened, use it immediately or discard it.

Maintaining Your Tattoo Gun Coils and Pens

Different machine types have different maintenance needs. Here is a quick comparison of what to focus on for each style.

Maintenance Task	Coil Tattoo Gun	Tattoo Pens
Cleaning frequency	After every session	After every session
Key area to clean	Coils, spring, contact screw	Grip, internal motor shaft
Lubrication needed	Light oil on springs and contacts	Generally not needed (sealed motor)
Storage precaution	Loosen contact screw	Charge or disconnect battery
Common wear point	Spring fatigue and contact corrosion	O ring and grip wear

Hawink coil tattoo gun for traditional tattooing — Coil tattoo gun$6.99Image from the merchant

A coil tattoo gun relies on precise electromagnetic timing. If the coils become dirty, the timing drifts and your lines will wobble. For tattoo pens, the main risk is moisture entering the motor housing. Wipe the grip and the charging port area carefully and never submerge a pen style machine in liquid.

Bonus: Keep Your Stencil Printer and Transfer Paper Ready

Your tattoo stencil printer and ink transfer paper are part of your workflow too. A clean stencil starts with a clean printer. Wipe the printer rollers and platen with a soft cloth after each use to prevent ink residue buildup. Store your transfer paper in a sealed plastic bag or container to keep it from curling or absorbing moisture. When your printer is clean and your paper is fresh, your stencils transfer cleanly and save you time on every client.

The Bottom Line

A little care goes a long way with your Hawink equipment. By cleaning your tattoo machine after every session, storing it properly, and staying on top of consumables like needles and cartridges, you will get years of reliable performance from your setup. For a deeper look at choosing the right machine for your skill level, check out The Best Tattoo Machine For Beginners 2024 Guide. And if you are stocking up on supplies, do not forget to grab the code for 10 percent off your next order at Hawink. You can also check the latest price on machines, kits, and accessories to see the current deals.

Questions

How often should I clean my Hawink tattoo machine?

Clean your tattoo machine immediately after every single session. Never let ink or bodily fluids dry on the machine, as this can cause corrosion and affect performance.

Can I use any cleaning solution on my tattoo machine?

Stick to 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and a mild disinfectant. Harsh chemicals like bleach can damage the finish and internal components of your tattoo machine.

Do I need to oil my tattoo machine after every cleaning?

Yes, apply a light machine oil to the springs and contact points after each cleaning. This prevents rust and keeps the mechanism running smoothly. Wipe off any excess oil before your next session.

How should I store my tattoo machine needle cartridges?

Keep your tattoo needle cartridges and round liner tattoo needles in their original sterile packaging in a cool, dry drawer away from direct sunlight. Only open the package when you are ready to use it.

What is the best way to store a coil tattoo gun long term?

Loosen the contact screw slightly to relieve tension on the spring, clean and oil the coils, and store the coil tattoo gun in a padded case in a dry, room temperature environment.

Can I submerge my tattoo pen in water to clean it?

No, never submerge a tattoo pen in water. Wipe the grip and charging port area with a damp cloth and 70 percent alcohol. Moisture entering the motor housing can permanently damage the machine.